President’s full name (Include birth and death dates) (2 points)
George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14 1799) Political party of the president (2 points)
None. George Washington feared the effect of factions, but once the split between Jefferson and Hamilton erupted, he tended to side with the Hamiltonians. Dates of the term or terms of office (2 points)
Two terms: 1789-1792 and 1792-1797 Vice President by term (2 points)
John Adams was George Washington’s Vice President during both of his terms of Office
Subjective Evaluation of the presidency and administration of George Washington
George Washington and his administration must be given a rating of A+ when considering how he carried out his duties as the nation’s first president. Always ranked in the top three best presidents according to modern polls of historians and political scientists as well as according to popular opinion, George Washington has “Consistently been determined to be been determined to be “Great” for the 18th Century” (Dean, 2001). Beyond the modern opinion polls, it is difficult to disagree when monuments to his contributions are as huge as his face on Mount Rushmore or as common as on the dollar bill and quarter.
The C-Span Survey of Presidential Leadership viewed George Washington in terms of public persuasion, crisis leadership, economic management, moral authority, international relations, administrative skills, relations with Congress, Vision/Setting and agenda, pursuit of Justice For All, and performance within the context of the times, finding him to be second overall only to Abraham Lincoln. Washington took top honors in economic management, international relations and moral authority. Washington was eulogized by the father of Civil War general Robert E. Lee, in the famous lines, “ First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding; his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting . . . Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues . . . Such was the man for whom our nation mourns” (Lee). The modern poll results and words of the leaders of his day are evidence of Washington’s character and performance as the first President of the United States.
George Washington did not present a list of goals and tasks at the beginning of his office. He explained to a neighbor in a letter that his acceptance of the presidency was, “an ardent desire . . . to be instrumental in conciliating the good will of my countrymen towards each other.” (Milestones:First Inaugural Address). In his First Inaugural Address he shared a clear vision of how individuals should act toward one another and a strong idea about what the character of the American citizen should include. In it he displayed his humility and faith in God when seeking guidance on the weighty issues of the governing “a new and free nation.” (Washington: First Inaugural Address). When referencing the article of the Constitution establishing the Executive duties he did not list his goals and plans, but rather defined the foundation of national policy to be “laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the pre-eminence of free government…” He promised that government would be according to the talents, rectitude and patriotism of the people- asking that the private virtues of his audience, the representatives, reflect the high moral virtues of the people who elected them. He committed himself to the “preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government.” His “external rules of order and right” mirror the “laws of nature and of nature’s God” in the Declaration of Independence. (Milestones: First Inaugural Address ).
Later Presidents who had the benefit of Washington’s experience might have been better able to set goals that future generations could judge for accomplishments. George Washington’s role and duties were being defined daily, so his end accomplishments such as acting decisively during the Whiskey Rebellion and in retaliation of western Indian attacks were all plusses on the report card of his leadership. It is unlikely that he could have anticipated the issues and plan solutions when the conflicts were not foreseeable. So, when Washington’s ideals are defined such as his not encouraging partisanship, localism or involvement in foreign wars, it can be said that he was successful when he kicked out Charles Genet, a French diplomat, who tried to stir up support against Great Britain. (Wiki: Foreign Affairs ). It might be said that he was successful in foreign affairs because America had many years of prosperous trade under his leadership. Washington looks like a genius in financial affairs when he finds ways to raise money to repay war debts as well as loosening taxes when public sentiments required it. As a military leader, Washington pulled together a militia army to control the Whiskey Rebellion and was powerful enough to quickly retaliate against Indian attack resulting in a respected nation and gaining Indian lands as the moved westward. All of these accomplishments were in response to crisis as opposed to a plan for accomplishment. It was a fragile time for America, and George Washington was able to hold it together in a way that future generations of leaders have tried to follow. Using his Farewell Address as a source for his accomplishments, Washington’s success was because of his commitment to necessity and importance of national union, value of Constitution and rule of law, evils of political parties, proper virtues of a republican people- warned against foreign influence in domestic affairs and against over involvement in foreign affairs- European affairs. . . beyond partisanship to common good. . . Friendship and commerce with all nations- no involvement in European wars or long term alliances . . . Religion and foreign affairs…morality a “necessary spring of popular government.”- no exclusion of religious principle (Washington, Farewell Address).
Washington’s relationship with Congress was on the whole quite good. He was able to make decisions after discussion and found a way to communicate without interfering with Congress’ ability to be a separate branch of government. Obviously Congress honored him in that he was elected unanimously in 1789 by the Electoral College and received the first Congressional Gold Medal at the end of his service. (Loubat). As early as 1778 he was known as The Father of His Country, which was a huge tribute to a leader during his lifetime. George Washington had to negotiate with Congress and the States and foreign countries during a time when the country had a weak military, a huge debt and no money to support a strong federal government. By the middle of his first term, internal disagreements within the legislature placed Washington between Hamilton and Jefferson forcing Washington to work out the conflicts. He was thrown into a constant debate concerning the roles of the federal and state governments where there was no clear resolution during his administration.
So many of the actions of Washington’s administration influenced the future America simply because it was the beginning and Washington’s choices set a start point for everything. However, certain choices and conduct provided precedent for fundamental values and policies. For example, Washington’s interaction with churches was understandable in that the leaders of the day were often clergy, but his decision to include less major religions within the process set the tone for tolerance and individual liberties. His letter to Hebrew Congregation at Newport is such an example (Washington: Letter to Hebrew). Another personal act that was significant in future problems was his choice to free his slaves upon his death (Washington: Last Will and Testament). A Southern gentleman with a strong understanding and belief in the equality of men, this act was difficult given the sentiments of the South and the hardship of running a plantation without such a labor force. These simple acts influenced the lives of people of future generations in that they set groundwork for tolerance and human compassion and commitment to equality. Other choices such as relying on advise of others lead to the creation of a cabinet, ignoring John Adams led to the position of Vice President becoming a figurehead, and refusing to turn over certain information led to the concept of executive privilege. His administration provided a starting point for future administrations and therefore was greatly influential.
There is no question that the governing style and actions of George Washington had a tremendous positive impact on the country and its future. His moral approach and dedication to fairness and moral correctness provided a compass for his leadership and that of others after him. His unique place in history as the first leader of the executive branch provided an opportunity for epic success or epic failure. He and his administration defined the bar that future leaders sought to achieve. Acknowledgement of his achievements by modern pollsters and memorials to his memory are just a few bits of recognition of his greatness. His rank of one of the top greatest presidents of the United States is well earned and well honored. The United States of America was definitely a better place as a result of his public accomplishments.
“Historical Rankings of United States Presidents.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 22 July 2004,. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (31 Aug. 2009) <http:en.wikipaedia.org/wiki/Histroical_rankings_of_United_States_Presidents>.
Milestones: Rediscovering George Washington. PBS.org. Rediscovering George Washington:Milestones 2002. 30 Aug. 2009).Commenary to First Inaugural Address. (31 Aug. 2009). <http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/>.
Washington, George. PBS.org. Rediscovering George Washington:Milestones 2002. 30 Aug. 2009).First Inaugural Address,Letter to Hebrew Congregation at Newport,Farewell Address,Last Will and Testament. (31 Aug. 2009). <http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/>.
President’s full name (Include birth and death dates) (2 points)
George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14 1799)
Political party of the president (2 points)
None. George Washington feared the effect of factions, but once the split between Jefferson and Hamilton erupted, he tended to side with the Hamiltonians.
Dates of the term or terms of office (2 points)
Two terms: 1789-1792 and 1792-1797
Vice President by term (2 points)
John Adams was George Washington’s Vice President during both of his terms of Office
Subjective Evaluation of the presidency and administration of George Washington
George Washington and his administration must be given a rating of A+ when considering how he carried out his duties as the nation’s first president. Always ranked in the top three best presidents according to modern polls of historians and political scientists as well as according to popular opinion, George Washington has “Consistently been determined to be been determined to be “Great” for the 18th Century” (Dean, 2001). Beyond the modern opinion polls, it is difficult to disagree when monuments to his contributions are as huge as his face on Mount Rushmore or as common as on the dollar bill and quarter.The C-Span Survey of Presidential Leadership viewed George Washington in terms of public persuasion, crisis leadership, economic management, moral authority, international relations, administrative skills, relations with Congress, Vision/Setting and agenda, pursuit of Justice For All, and performance within the context of the times, finding him to be second overall only to Abraham Lincoln. Washington took top honors in economic management, international relations and moral authority. Washington was eulogized by the father of Civil War general Robert E. Lee, in the famous lines, “ First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding; his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting . . . Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues . . . Such was the man for whom our nation mourns” (Lee). The modern poll results and words of the leaders of his day are evidence of Washington’s character and performance as the first President of the United States.
George Washington did not present a list of goals and tasks at the beginning of his office. He explained to a neighbor in a letter that his acceptance of the presidency was, “an ardent desire . . . to be instrumental in conciliating the good will of my countrymen towards each other.” (Milestones:First Inaugural Address). In his First Inaugural Address he shared a clear vision of how individuals should act toward one another and a strong idea about what the character of the American citizen should include. In it he displayed his humility and faith in God when seeking guidance on the weighty issues of the governing “a new and free nation.” (Washington: First Inaugural Address). When referencing the article of the Constitution establishing the Executive duties he did not list his goals and plans, but rather defined the foundation of national policy to be “laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the pre-eminence of free government…” He promised that government would be according to the talents, rectitude and patriotism of the people- asking that the private virtues of his audience, the representatives, reflect the high moral virtues of the people who elected them. He committed himself to the “preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government.” His “external rules of order and right” mirror the “laws of nature and of nature’s God” in the Declaration of Independence. (Milestones: First Inaugural Address ).
Later Presidents who had the benefit of Washington’s experience might have been better able to set goals that future generations could judge for accomplishments. George Washington’s role and duties were being defined daily, so his end accomplishments such as acting decisively during the Whiskey Rebellion and in retaliation of western Indian attacks were all plusses on the report card of his leadership. It is unlikely that he could have anticipated the issues and plan solutions when the conflicts were not foreseeable. So, when Washington’s ideals are defined such as his not encouraging partisanship, localism or involvement in foreign wars, it can be said that he was successful when he kicked out Charles Genet, a French diplomat, who tried to stir up support against Great Britain. (Wiki: Foreign Affairs ). It might be said that he was successful in foreign affairs because America had many years of prosperous trade under his leadership. Washington looks like a genius in financial affairs when he finds ways to raise money to repay war debts as well as loosening taxes when public sentiments required it. As a military leader, Washington pulled together a militia army to control the Whiskey Rebellion and was powerful enough to quickly retaliate against Indian attack resulting in a respected nation and gaining Indian lands as the moved westward. All of these accomplishments were in response to crisis as opposed to a plan for accomplishment. It was a fragile time for America, and George Washington was able to hold it together in a way that future generations of leaders have tried to follow. Using his Farewell Address as a source for his accomplishments, Washington’s success was because of his commitment to necessity and importance of national union, value of Constitution and rule of law, evils of political parties, proper virtues of a republican people- warned against foreign influence in domestic affairs and against over involvement in foreign affairs- European affairs. . . beyond partisanship to common good. . . Friendship and commerce with all nations- no involvement in European wars or long term alliances . . . Religion and foreign affairs…morality a “necessary spring of popular government.”- no exclusion of religious principle (Washington, Farewell Address).
Washington’s relationship with Congress was on the whole quite good. He was able to make decisions after discussion and found a way to communicate without interfering with Congress’ ability to be a separate branch of government. Obviously Congress honored him in that he was elected unanimously in 1789 by the Electoral College and received the first Congressional Gold Medal at the end of his service. (Loubat). As early as 1778 he was known as The Father of His Country, which was a huge tribute to a leader during his lifetime. George Washington had to negotiate with Congress and the States and foreign countries during a time when the country had a weak military, a huge debt and no money to support a strong federal government. By the middle of his first term, internal disagreements within the legislature placed Washington between Hamilton and Jefferson forcing Washington to work out the conflicts. He was thrown into a constant debate concerning the roles of the federal and state governments where there was no clear resolution during his administration.
So many of the actions of Washington’s administration influenced the future America simply because it was the beginning and Washington’s choices set a start point for everything. However, certain choices and conduct provided precedent for fundamental values and policies. For example, Washington’s interaction with churches was understandable in that the leaders of the day were often clergy, but his decision to include less major religions within the process set the tone for tolerance and individual liberties. His letter to Hebrew Congregation at Newport is such an example (Washington: Letter to Hebrew). Another personal act that was significant in future problems was his choice to free his slaves upon his death (Washington: Last Will and Testament). A Southern gentleman with a strong understanding and belief in the equality of men, this act was difficult given the sentiments of the South and the hardship of running a plantation without such a labor force. These simple acts influenced the lives of people of future generations in that they set groundwork for tolerance and human compassion and commitment to equality. Other choices such as relying on advise of others lead to the creation of a cabinet, ignoring John Adams led to the position of Vice President becoming a figurehead, and refusing to turn over certain information led to the concept of executive privilege. His administration provided a starting point for future administrations and therefore was greatly influential.
There is no question that the governing style and actions of George Washington had a tremendous positive impact on the country and its future. His moral approach and dedication to fairness and moral correctness provided a compass for his leadership and that of others after him. His unique place in history as the first leader of the executive branch provided an opportunity for epic success or epic failure. He and his administration defined the bar that future leaders sought to achieve. Acknowledgement of his achievements by modern pollsters and memorials to his memory are just a few bits of recognition of his greatness. His rank of one of the top greatest presidents of the United States is well earned and well honored. The United States of America was definitely a better place as a result of his public accomplishments.
Bibliography.
American President: An On-line Reference Resource: George Washington.(1732- 1799). Miller Center of Public Affairs: University of Virginia. <http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/washington/essays/biography/4>.
“C-Span 2009 Historians Presidential Leadership Survey.” C-Span Survey of Presidential Leadership -Overall Ranking - C-Span. 31 Aug. 2009) <http://www.c-span.org/PresidentialSurvey/Overall-Ranking.aspx>.
Dean, John. Ranking Presidents – Utter Nonsense or Useful Analysis?. Findlaw Legal News and Commentary. 11 May 2001 (31 Aug. 2009). <http://writ.news.findlaw.com/scripts/printer_friendly.pl?page=/dean/20010511.html>.
“George Washington.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 1 Sept. 2009,. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (31 Aug. 2009). <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington>.
Henry Lee's eulogy to George Washington, December 26, 1799. Safire, William (2004). Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. pp. 185–186.
“Historical Rankings of United States Presidents.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 22 July 2004,. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (31 Aug. 2009) <http:en.wikipaedia.org/wiki/Histroical_rankings_of_United_States_Presidents>.
"Loubat, J. F. and Jacquemart, Jules, Illustrator, ''The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876''". Gutenberg.org. 2007-06-20.(31 Aug. 2009) http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21880.
Milestones: Rediscovering George Washington. PBS.org. Rediscovering George Washington:Milestones 2002. 30 Aug. 2009).Commenary to First Inaugural Address. (31 Aug. 2009). <http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/>.
Washington, George. PBS.org. Rediscovering George Washington:Milestones 2002. 30 Aug. 2009). First Inaugural Address,Letter to Hebrew Congregation at Newport,Farewell Address,Last Will and Testament. (31 Aug. 2009). <http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/>.
Rediscovering George Washington: The Washington Collection <http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/collection/index.html>.
Farewell Address http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/milestones/farewell_address_about.html
First Inaugural Address http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/milestones/inaugural_address_read.html
Letter to Hebrew Congregation at Newport http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/milestones/hebrew_congregation_read.html
Free Slaves in Last Will and Testament http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/milestones/free_slaves_read.html